By Regina Schliep, for The Key
This December, World Cafe Live is welcoming a handful of regulars back to its stage, but from the comfort of their own homes. World Cafe Live House Concerts will feature a number of live streams by Philly-area musicians from December 9 to 19. While the concerts will be streamed free on YouTube, World Cafe invites viewers to donate in support of live independent music, with all donations to be split between the artist and World Cafe Live’s Year-End Homecoming Drive. Check out the lineup below.
Dec 9th – Andrew Lipke
Philly-based composer, performer, and producer Andrew Lipke’s appearance at World Cafe Live House Concerts is just one of his many musical endeavors during quarantine and isolation. Earlier in the pandemic, Lipke released Songs From the Quarantine, his full-length album Kamala and the Child People, and his Seven Songs project.
Dec 10th – Bronson Tennis
Singer-songwriter Bronson Tennis’ sound is cultivated from an eclectic variety of influences, playing tunes of salsa, samba, country, merengue, rock and more.
Dec 11th – Christine Havrilla
Like many nowadays, Philly rock singer-songwriter Christine Havrilla has become acquainted with new ways of releasing and performing music. The self-described “Neofunkadlicfolkpoptwangrock” artist released “Desire” along with a quarantine video this summer, and has been keeping active with live stream performances.
Dec 12th – Minas
Brazilian Jazz band MINAS is World Cafe seasoned guests, making a handful of appearances throughout the years. Orlando and Patricia Haddad, and the MINAS Septet are currently finishing their new album Beatles in Bossa and will perform their original songs at the House Concert.
Dec 16th – Martha Stuckey
Singer-songwriter Martha Stuckey and frontwoman of disco-funk sensation Red 40 & the Last Groovement recently relocated to Minnesota from Philly, where she’s working on new dug up folk songs. She recently discussed the self-reflection and movement during COVID with The Key.
Dec 17th – York Street Hustle
Ten-piece soul band York Street Hustle are returning to World Cafe with their exciting and smooth sound of 1960s soul. The group shared via Instagram that they are thrilled to be sharing originals by the founding member and original male lead vocalist Aaron Parnell Brown (who currently works on the WXPN development team) as well as the current lead male vocalist Ryan Williams.
Dec 18th – John Byrne
Dublin native, Philly local artist, and leader of the John Byrne Band, incorporates Irish tradition and themes into his catalog, most recently seen on his 2019 full-length A Shiver in the Sky. New projects underway for 2021 will feature his charismatic sound with instrumental arrangements full of horns and strings.
Dec 19th – Liz Longley
Nashville-via-Philly singer-songwriter Liz Longley is coming off a recent release of her Funeral For My Past, a personal project both in its melodies and being released independently after a difficult split with her former label. She is also releasing a holiday EP, A Litte Magic out December 4.
